Adherence to Recovery Practices Prescribed by Alcoholics Anonymous: Benefits to Sustained Abstinence and Subjective Quality of Life

Abstract

In a British cultural context, we tested the idea that physical abstinence and psycho-existential well-being during the aftercare period of recovery may be enhanced by higher levels of overall compliance with Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)-prescribed practices. We also examined whether enactment of certain types of AA-sanctioned practices might carry greater (or unique) therapeutic benefits relative to engagement in other ingredients of AA. Former residents (n = 76) of a Minnesota Model treatment program (in England) were assessed 2 years after being discharged. Higher levels of overall adherence tended also to be associated with greater abstinence, lower depression, and a stronger conviction that life has meaning and purpose. Microanalysis of discreet types of AA involvement showed formal completion of Steps 4 and 5 (done as a pair with a sponsor) had a robust salutary effect, being related to abstinence and better emotional and existential well-being. In addition, participation in Step 11 (praying/meditating) and having an AA sponsor were both associated with a broad spectrum of apparent benefits. Practitioners might consider implementing motivational interventions designed to facilitate greater client willingness to adhere more closely to the AA style of living. Results that identified especially potent facets of the AA lifestyle suggest counselors concerned with “high-quality abstinence” may wish to tailor such interventions so as to selectively target active ingredients.